Effects of sample storage conditions on gene expression patterns

This study explores potential biases caused by RNA stabilizing solution on global gene expression patterns in plant leaves. Different sample storage conditions were examined in rice, sorghum and soybean to determine the best condition. The treatment included the following: control (LN2) samples that were frozen immediately by liquid nitrogen: the "dipping" samples that were submerged in an RNA protector solution after washing the leaf surface by 0.05% Triton X-100 and stored at 4 degree: and the "infiltration" samples that were infiltrated with an RNA protector solution by vacuum and pressurization and then stored at 4 or -20 degree.